Rivers and Climate Change

The impacts of climate change will hit rivers and river communities first and worst, in the form of increased droughts, floods, and waterborne diseases. Along with decreasing global warming pollution, protecting and restoring rivers must be part of the solution.

Healthy rivers boost community safety and security, building resilience against these impacts and helping communities thrive in the face of a changing climate.

Along with decreasing global warming pollution, protecting and restoring rivers must be part of the solution. Healthy rivers boost community safety and security, building resilience against these impacts and helping communities thrive in the face of a changing climate.

Healthy Rivers, Healthy Communities

Clean, healthy rivers are the lifeblood of our communities and are vital to our health, safety, and quality of life. Most Americans live within a mile of a river or stream, and all of our drinking water comes directly or indirectly from rivers and streams.

Hydropower and Climate Change

Hydropower dams will continue to play a role in our nation’s energy portfolio. But we cannot responsibly meet our nation’s 21st century energy needs by damming new rivers or by weakening environmental protections designed to protect rivers from harmful dam operations.